Add Some Drama to Your Garden with Dark Purple Elephant Ear Plants

Elephant ear plants are known for their super-sized heart-shaped leaves that can grow up to 3 feet long. They make a bold statement in any garden or container. While the most common elephant ear varieties have green leaves, there are some stunning dark purple varieties that will really make your plantings pop. In this article, we’ll explore why you should consider adding one of these dramatic beauties to your own garden.

What is a Dark Purple Elephant Ear Plant?

Elephant ears belong to the Araceae family which includes calla lilies and anthurium. There are 3 main types – Colocasia Alocasia, and Xanthosoma. The dark purple varieties are most commonly Colocasia, specifically C. esculenta.

These tropical plants grow from tubers, similar to dahlias or canna lilies Their natural habitat is swamps and ponds in tropical Southeast Asia, so they appreciate warm, humid environments

The dark purple varieties have deep burgundy to nearly black foliage and stems. The undersides of the leaves often have an attractive grayish bluish “bloom” when new. The leaves emerge with a bit more purple pigment when the plant is grown in full sun. In deep shade, they may appear more green.

Popular dark purple elephant ear varieties include

• Black Magic
• Black Sapphire
• Black Ripple
• Fontanesii
• Illustris
• Black Beauty

Why Grow a Dark Purple Elephant Ear?

There are so many reasons to add one of these showstoppers to your garden:

They Provide Drama and Contrast

With leaves up to 3 feet across, elephant ears certainly make a statement! The super-saturated purple-black foliage provides incredible drama and visual impact. They look spectacular paired with plants that have silver, chartreuse, or bright colored leaves. White and pink flowering plants also pop against the dark leaves.

Unique Texture

In addition to the striking color, elephant ears have a cool, velvety leaf texture. As the leaves emerge, they have a beautiful sheen that catches and reflects the light. The bold, tropical look pairs perfectly with delicate ferns and airy grasses.

Size Matters

Do you have a blank wall or boring fence that needs some pizazz? Plant a dark purple elephant ear in front of it and let the huge leaves work their magic. The plant will draw the eye and obscure unattractive views. Elephant ears also work well at pond edges and in areas that need a volume boost.

Low Maintenance

Once established, these tropical plants are quite unfussy. In fact, overwatering is more likely to be an issue than underwatering with elephant ears. They pump out those enormous leaves even in poor soil. Just be sure to provide adequate moisture for best growth.

Fast Growers

You don’t need to wait forever for elephant ears to make an impact. They emerge quickly in spring and grow rapidly, often adding a new leaf each week under ideal conditions. In warmer climates, they reach mature size in a single season.

Winter Interest

After the first frost, allow the foliage to die back naturally, then cut the stalks to the ground. The tuberous roots can remain in the ground over winter in zones 7-10. In colder climates, dig them up and store inside. The dead leaves and stalks left standing provide architectural interest in the winter garden. The dark color contrasts nicely with frost and snow.

Wildlife Value

Butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to the unique blooms of elephant ears, though not all varieties flower. Goldfinches will feast on the seeds. The large leaves also provide shelter for toads and frogs.

How to Grow Dark Purple Elephant Ears

Though they hail from tropical habitats, elephant ears are surprisingly easy to grow. Here are some tips for success:

Planting

• Plant tubers in spring after the last frost date. Soak first if they seem shriveled.

• Dig a hole and amend the soil with compost if needed to improve drainage. Elephant ears hate soggy soil.

• Set the tuber 2-3 inches deep with the growth buds pointing up. Backfill and tamp down lightly.

• Space plants 3-5 feet apart depending on mature size.

Care

• Provide at least 6 hours of sun for best color. Morning sun is ideal.

• Keep soil moist but not soggy. Mulch to conserve moisture.

• Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during active growth.

• Stake tall varieties if needed. Remove damaged leaves and stalks as needed.

• In zones 7-10, leave roots in ground over winter. In colder zones, dig up tubers after frost and store dry over winter.

• Divide crowded clumps every 2-3 years in early spring.

Troubleshooting

Elephant ears are not prone to many issues, but may experience:

• Leaf spots or blight – improve air circulation and avoid wetting leaves

• Chewed leaves – apply organic insecticidal soap spray for pests

• Rotting tubers – ensure good drainage and amend soil if needed

The Best Dark Purple Varieties

There are many stunning dark leaved elephant ear varieties to choose from. Here are some of the best:

Black Magic

The poster child for dark elephant ears, Black Magic has gorgeous blackish-purple leaves with lighter veins held on near-black stems. It reaches a medium height of 3-4 feet. Leaves have a nice ruffled edge when mature. One of the most popular and easily available varieties.

Black Sapphire

Aptly named Black Sapphire has gem-toned foliage so dark it appears black. It forms a large clump up to 5 feet tall. New leaves emerge with a striking metallic sheen.

Black Ripple

This compact variety grows just 2-3 feet tall, making it ideal for containers. The leaves start deep purple and become nearly black. They have crinkly, ruffled edges that flutter in the breeze.

Fontanesii

Also known as the black stem elephant ear, Fontanesii has elegant leaves that can reach 6 feet across! Stems and leaf veins are black. Leaves are more greenish-purple with unique turtle shell-shaped darker spots.

Illustris

A breathtaking variety, Illustris has gracefully pointed leaves with bright purple undersides. The top sides are so deep purple they look black. It can reach monumental proportions up to 8 feet tall!

Designing With Dark Purple Elephant Ears

Here are some ideas to inspire you:

• Pair them with chartreuse sweet potato vine for high contrast

• Underplant with silver Dusty Miller

• Mix them into a tropical border with cannas and bananas

• Edge a pond with them for strong vertical interest

• Use as a focal point in a large container with trailing plants like Scaevola

• Plant in rows along a fence alternating with variegated shell ginger

• Use as a lush background for white blooming plants like Mandevilla

In addition to adding drama, dark purple elephant ears offer huge tropical appeal with their bold leaves and stature. If you have a blank wall, boring fence, or lackluster border begging for something special, think elephant ear! Their fast growth, low maintenance, and winter interest make them a garden superstar. With so many outstanding dark varieties to choose from, there is one perfect for your own garden’s needs. Just be sure to provide adequate moisture and sun for these beautiful beauties to thrive.